Breastfeeding Awareness

Health Services and Resources > Maternal & Child Health > Breastfeeding Awareness

Breastfeeding initiation is identified on each birth certificate and is collected for both in-hospital and out-of-hospital Pennsylvania births. Each birth certificate is submitted to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Bureau of Health Statistics and Research where it is analyzed. The question: Is newborn being breastfed? was added to the birth certificate in 2003. Birth certificate data is compiled annually.

Note: The files listed below are in Adobe PDF format. You will need the free Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer system in order to access, view and print the files. Click here for information on obtaining Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Breastfeeding Initiation Rates 2003-2010 (Table & Graph)

Pennsylvania Map - Breastfeeding Initiation

Breastfeeding Initiation Rates by Race/Ethnic Groups 2003-2010 (Table & Graph)

Breastfeeding Initiation Rate by Age of Mother 2006-2010 (Table & Graph)

Breastfeeding Initiation Rates by Gestation and Birth Weight 2006-2010 (Table & Graph)

Breastfeeding Initiation in Pennsylvania Birthing Hospitals (Chart)

Breastfeeding Initiation in Pennsylvania Birthing Hospitals (Graph)

2009
2010

Any of these resources may be downloaded, copied and distributed as desired, with attribution to the Pennsylvania Department of Health as the source.

Back to breastfeeding data